Price band for a good solid C/B MGG GT?
Discussion
For a while I have been toying with the idea of buying a B GT, to run alongside my TVR.
From scanning the adverts I was thinking that I should be able to pick up a tidy rust free example for between £5k to 7k.
Yesterday I viewed / drove my first car, which was for sale at a classic car specialist. The car drove well and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so I am now hooked on buying one.
I was however very disappointed with the state of the bodywork, rusty sills, (rusty metal flaking away) bubbling paintwork on just about every panel.
So I am begining to question if my 5k -7k is realistic for a good example that is not going to need serious money spent on it to get it up to scratch.
From scanning the adverts I was thinking that I should be able to pick up a tidy rust free example for between £5k to 7k.
Yesterday I viewed / drove my first car, which was for sale at a classic car specialist. The car drove well and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so I am now hooked on buying one.
I was however very disappointed with the state of the bodywork, rusty sills, (rusty metal flaking away) bubbling paintwork on just about every panel.
So I am begining to question if my 5k -7k is realistic for a good example that is not going to need serious money spent on it to get it up to scratch.
I always had a hankering for one. However...
With their price increases I would find it very hard to justify. I mean if you HAVE to have one ( I don't ) then fine. Otherwise I cannot help but cast my eye around what else is available for 10 or 12 in good condition.
MGB GT or.... E36 M3, E46 M3, Maser 3200 GT, new 6 series all the way up to ///M 6 etc.
I am a little dismayed at some of the prices for established "classics" these days. I have been going to Birmingham NEC etc for years and the garage pottering types without bundles of cash and "a man" to look after things is what made the scene for me.
The Bentley / Aston / Porsche clubs were for that type of classic owner, but at current prices (and rising) the people in their 30/40s now won't be on the scene in their 60s. Where does it go from here?
I joined as Classic Car club in London, drove them all and with a few notable exceptions most nailed on "classics" that would be known to the avg Joe in the street just do not justify their prices any longer.
I have defected to Modern Classics around 10 - 15 yo and can't see myself going back in a hurry without a serious market correction.
With their price increases I would find it very hard to justify. I mean if you HAVE to have one ( I don't ) then fine. Otherwise I cannot help but cast my eye around what else is available for 10 or 12 in good condition.
MGB GT or.... E36 M3, E46 M3, Maser 3200 GT, new 6 series all the way up to ///M 6 etc.
I am a little dismayed at some of the prices for established "classics" these days. I have been going to Birmingham NEC etc for years and the garage pottering types without bundles of cash and "a man" to look after things is what made the scene for me.
The Bentley / Aston / Porsche clubs were for that type of classic owner, but at current prices (and rising) the people in their 30/40s now won't be on the scene in their 60s. Where does it go from here?
I joined as Classic Car club in London, drove them all and with a few notable exceptions most nailed on "classics" that would be known to the avg Joe in the street just do not justify their prices any longer.
I have defected to Modern Classics around 10 - 15 yo and can't see myself going back in a hurry without a serious market correction.
Rather than going to a "Classic car specialist", it might be worth looking at adverts in the MG enthustiast/club magazines to get a well looked after private sale in your price range. They may well be better value..... but no after sales service.....? Your title also mentions MGC GT which, I think, will be more expensive than a regular "B".
Can't comment on current prices, but there always used to be a big difference between rubber bumper (cheaper) and chrome bumper cars, with examples converted from rubber to chrome being theoretically worth less than an original chrome bumper car.
Rubber bumpers don't look as good (imho), and the accompanying increase in ride height does nothing for the handling, but are very handy if you have to leave it parked on the street. Mine (now long gone unfortunately)always came off better in minor parking bumps with moderns. Chrome bumpers offer no protection, and the lower ride height makes headlight glass vulnerable.
Later rubber cars handle better than the early ones (anti roll bars I seem to remember), so if you do go rubber, go late, or modified suspension.
So, if you don't mind the look, perhaps go rubber. If you want chrome bumpers, you may find a conversion is worth less than an original.
I loved my BGT, and used it for several years as an only car- so whatever you chose I hope you enjoy it too.
Rubber bumpers don't look as good (imho), and the accompanying increase in ride height does nothing for the handling, but are very handy if you have to leave it parked on the street. Mine (now long gone unfortunately)always came off better in minor parking bumps with moderns. Chrome bumpers offer no protection, and the lower ride height makes headlight glass vulnerable.
Later rubber cars handle better than the early ones (anti roll bars I seem to remember), so if you do go rubber, go late, or modified suspension.
So, if you don't mind the look, perhaps go rubber. If you want chrome bumpers, you may find a conversion is worth less than an original.
I loved my BGT, and used it for several years as an only car- so whatever you chose I hope you enjoy it too.
I recently bought a BGT - chrome bumpers, '71 - mechanically sound and with a fresh MOT but with some visible rust and (I suspect) a fair amount needing done underneath. The suspension is knackered and the interior is tatty. I paid £2300, which was probably £300 too much. but I like the vibe of the car and had an itchy trigger finger....
JohnV8V said:
I recently bought a BGT - chrome bumpers, '71 - mechanically sound and with a fresh MOT but with some visible rust and (I suspect) a fair amount needing done underneath. The suspension is knackered and the interior is tatty. I paid £2300, which was probably £300 too much. but I like the vibe of the car and had an itchy trigger finger....
That was going so well until you mentioned itchy trigger finger. You meant you had a strong desire to buy no matter what, don't you? 
We have MGC's lots of them , race them as well. Great car long legs touring car or plenty of room to beef up engine.
Mine go from 120hp to over 300hp but the torque is what makes the difference.
Prices are rising a near concours is £40k coming down to rolling restoration £10k
With sills at £1000 each side and wings £500 , rear wings and inner arches £700 per side they are not cheap to do body work on so buy the best body you can engines/mechanicals are cheap compared.
The C has a lot of B parts but from the bulkhead forward is very different suspension wise, most parts are available from specialists.
MGC register on FB
MGC Cars and spares for sale group on FB
www.holmesracing.co
Mine go from 120hp to over 300hp but the torque is what makes the difference.
Prices are rising a near concours is £40k coming down to rolling restoration £10k
With sills at £1000 each side and wings £500 , rear wings and inner arches £700 per side they are not cheap to do body work on so buy the best body you can engines/mechanicals are cheap compared.
The C has a lot of B parts but from the bulkhead forward is very different suspension wise, most parts are available from specialists.
MGC register on FB
MGC Cars and spares for sale group on FB
www.holmesracing.co
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